Are Plasma's Over-rated?

[Nycguy84]

I have a Panasonic 32" LCD (720 p).

Was thinking of upgrading my set to something around 50" and also contemplating if I should go Plasma? I've been surfing through the boards here and there's a lot of mixed talk.

Is it really worth going for the Plasma?

[BluRay Rulez]

I have both type of displays. It depends on what you prefer. Some are hard core plasma fans that think there is nothing better. Then you have the others that feel LCD have came along way and surpassed plasmas. Me personally, my next large set will be LCD. But to each is own. You really can't go wrong with either type.

[Chevypower]

I would go with the original "Baird" 30 line system TV. Seriously, there are lots of threads on this already. I also would go LCD based on personal preferences, like Sony XBR6-8, Samsung A650... Plasmas check out Pioneer and Panasonic PZ800

[TimmothyMcPiddles]

I agree with the other posts here. I have a sony kdl-40v3000 and I really enjoy it and for 700 bucks, it is quite the tv. People would say that plasmas have no motion blur, and I'd have to agree with them. They would also say that that is a huge reason to pick up a plasma over an LCD but I haven't noticed motion blur very much at all on this set after calibrating it. I also play a lot of games on my 360 and ps3 and I was not willing to risk burn in with a plasma.

[JasonR]

I have never seen motion blur on my LCD unless it was the source, the black level could be better though. I think both have their advantages and disadvantages, choose what is best for you. As far as plasma being overrated, no it is rated appropriately. I think a lot of LCDs are underrated on this board though...

A comment that was made to me is, "A true videophile would never get an LCD!"

[shido]

Originally Posted by JasonR

I have never seen motion blur on my LCD unless it was the source, the black level could be better though. I think both have their advantages and disadvantages, choose what is best for you. As far as plasma being overrated, no it is rated appropriately. I think a lot of LCDs are underrated on this board though...

A comment that was made to me is, "A true videophile would never get an LCD!"

I agree, a lot of folks here seem to hold LCD in such low regard. But personally, I think LCDs look awesome. There's a game shop near where I live in Hiroshima, and they have a PS3 hooked up to a 40" Sony Bravia set, right in front of the entrace to the store. I remember walking in once when they had the DMC4 trailer running on it, and I was just blown away. Ever since then, I've had my sights on getting an XBR6.

[ilovefooty]

Kuro all the way baby!!!!!

[elwaylite]

Man, theres a LCD vs Plamsa thread in here every day

LCD and Plasma are both good. Id ONLY buy an XBR or good Sammy LCD and I can get a good plasma for a little cheaper, therefore I went that route. I also prefer plasma, think OLED would be my next jump.

[Marine Mike]

Buy whatever you think looks the best and following the instructions that come with the TV and you won't go wrong.

[CassilineKnight]

In my opinion yes...

LCD looks fantastic to me and I wouldn't buy a plasma unless I was filthy rich and if it truly made a difference in my eyes in terms of picture quality.

[elwaylite]

I still dont get where you guys think thats Plasmas are so costly.

Top of the line 50" 1080p 800u is $2320. Have you seen what a Sony or Samsung LCD (top of the line) is costing lately in a 46"??

XBR4 46" is $2699

XBR5 46" os $2898

Using cost as a negative for Plasma is just innacurate for tv's 42" and higher.

[Ben123]

Plasma is better. But LCD is close. Both will do fine. Bring your favourite movies and test it out at the store. Your eye is the best judge.

[SS316SRV]

By definition of the technology, plasmas should give you a better picture, however there are more LCDs on the market that do better for video gaming. The improved processors in LCDs make them good movie TVs as well. I would say this, if it was a TV/sports/blu-ray only TV I would go no other way than plasma. However, LCDs are very versitile and do very well for family purposes like video gaming, bright areas (other than Samsungs 6 and 7 series).

Even better yet, go take a look and see which ones you like better.

(I have a 50" Panasonic PZ700U and love it almost more than the baby Jeebus.

[alphapyro]

I've had a sammy A650 placed alongsize a panny PZ85u, and the difference in black levels is, literally, night and day. Plasmas do okay for well lit rooms, but not nearly as good as LCD is at masking glare. LCDs in brightly lit rooms seem to exhibit darker blacks but once you turn down the lights Plasma easily overtakes LCD.

Also, when it comes to fast motion, you really can't compare to plasma. It really is that big of a difference. Now, the only reason you hear people say they don't see a difference is because they don't over analyze their picture or their eyes just don't see it. Once you know what you're looking for it's terrible trying to ignore it.

Of course, I also can sit back and enjoy both the A650 and PZ85u, but the minute you ask me to compare I would have to call it on preference because with plasma there is always just a tad bit of green tail - I compare this to the motion blur on LCD. Again, you'll only notice it if you are specifically looking for it so it's up in the air.


Personally, I would still go plasma. Even though I had to take mine back for unrelated issues - it produced a better picture than my dad's calibrated 650 in black levels alone which I think will always be an argument there.

[DezNutz]

IMO if you are getting a TV under 50" you should get a LCD, if you are getting a TV over 50" you should get a plasma, just purley based on availablity and price, both technologies have their pluses and minuses.. Now if you plan on getting a 50" you got to look at everything possible.

[DetroitSportsFan]

Originally Posted by elwaylite

I still dont get where you guys think thats Plasmas are so costly.

I agree, Plasma is generally cheaper than LCD, especially at 50" and over.

[btf1980]

No, plasmas are not overrated. With sales being relatively low compared to LCD sales which dominate the flat panel market, I think plasmas are highly underrated! I've never met anyone who has spent a lengthy period of time with a Pioneer Kuro and then switched to LCD. But I do know many LCD owners who abandoned LCD for plasma. I wonder why that is.

[welwynnick]

It's an enduring mystery to me why so may people buy LCDs. If you want something smaller than 37", then there's no alternative, and LCDs had a resolution advantage for a while, but plasmas have caught up again.

I have to admit that we used to have an early LG plasma, and it was truly rubbish (the recent ones are better) though we subsequently coughed up for a Panny.

Whenever I go into town, I usually take a look at the electrical shops and check out the latest LCDs, as everyone keeps saying how much they're improving, but I can say that without qualification, I've ALWAYS been disappointed with the PQ of the "latest and greatest" LCD. The ONLY thing that impressed me recently was the Kuros.

It remains a mystery.

Nick

[cj-kent]

There's also the question of resolution. I find that there are many more LCD models that offer 1080p than plasma. That does seem to be changing as plasmas are somewhat reluctantly getting onboard with Full HD. I have a Toshiba 42" 1080p LCD and love it. The contrast is great even in a dark room. It is certainly on par with many plasmas in that respect. I must give kudos to plasmas on response time though. They do seem to produce a cleaner image when there is broad motion on screen a.k.a. a panning shot. Off-angle is better on plasma as well. That is my only real complaint about my T.V. Off-angle viewing is not the best. It does use a lot less power and is much lighter. It also is way brighter in a lit room than any plasma I've seen.

Here's what I considered before I purchased. After two years of research I felt very comfortable with the pros and cons of each technology. I have three young children at home. The T.V. was primarily going to viewed with the living room lights on or the curtains pulled back to let sunlight in. When I considered the durability and brightness of LCDs as opposed the response time and off-angles, and contrast levels of a plasma, I had to go with LCD. It was the choice that made the most sense for me and my family. Were I single or at least had no children, I probably would have gone for a Plasma. I was considering a Panasonic plasma and the Toshiba that I ultimately bought. They were both in the same price range. If you shop it right then prices will comparable.

Choose what fits your atmosphere the best. Hope I've helped.

[MaleManGuy]

Originally Posted by Nycguy84

I have a Panasonic 32" LCD (720 p).

Was thinking of upgrading my set to something around 50" and also contemplating if I should go Plasma? I've been surfing through the boards here and there's a lot of mixed talk.

Is it really worth going for the Plasma?

The plasma TV's kick ass over LCD all the time with respect to motion blurr, accurate colors, black levels and more. Plasma is simply the best display so far that represents what was recorded. I used to have a 46" LCD. More bang for the buck in a plasma TV. I am happy with my panasonic... in fact my kids watch my plasma instead of staying in their freaking bedroom to watch their Aquos LCD. Go to the experts and watch these TV's side by side. The new plasmas have 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast, they are faster...geeez.... someone post reviews.lol. Do videophiles pick plasma? Yes they do... and more often than LCD. LCD may look brighter... but brighter doesn't mean accurate or true... an over-exposed photo looks like crap compared to a good photo with true colors.
My plasma is used for video games (COD4 and more), movies, TV... everything. Wow, I am impressed.
The next generation is better too possibly.

So btf1980 is right... plasmas are under-rated. Anyone who has had a new plasma probably won't switch to LCD. Altho LCD users are switching to plasma. I know too many people who have had bad LCD experiences. Plus you can get burn-in with LCD too... I've seen it on monitors and TV's.... it's correctable... but more irritating than any plasma problems.

Under normal usage you will never have burn-in... that includes playing video games and blah.
Check the reviews tho. The best plasmas have been compared to the best LCDs and come out better in all categories.